Chapter 9

"Spit it out", Lucianna says with her eyes on the screen of the MacBook in her hands.

"What?", Lucille questions.

Lucianna finally looks up at her friend and raises an eyebrow at her.

"I know you want to say something so just spit it out".

"Fine. I'm worried about you, Ana. I know the nightmares have started and this isn't the first time. You need to see a therapist. I fear they are getting worse each day", she finally confesses.

"Like I said, I don't want to 'Talk' about it", Lucianna says, emphasizing the talk.

"But..."

"Do you want me to leave this car for you? I'm okay with boarding a taxi", Lucianna threatens.

Lucille apologizes and looks away sorrowfully. The atmosphere is tense and Lucille hurriedly gets out when they reach the parking lot of their workplace.

During the day, interactions between both girls are minimal and even their co-workers feel it and try their best not to anger both parties. Lucianna cools down a bit after eating and walks to Lucille's office to apologize.

She is silently staring at the upholstery of the decorative pillow in her lap with a distraught look on her face. Lost in her own thoughts, she doesn't process Lucianna's entry until she sits beside her.

"I'm sorry", Lucianna says without looking at her.

Lucille scoffs and turns away from her.

"You sure do sound like it", she mutters sarcastically.

"Lucianna grabs Lucille's right hand and places her hand in hers, interlocking them and turning to face her best friend.

"Look at me, Luci", she orders softly.

"I don't want to talk about it", Lucille mocks before yanking her hand out of Luciana's palm. She angrily storms out of the office, slamming the door behind her.

Lucianna stares at the vacant seat beside her and then the door and runs her fingers through her hair. She takes off her high heels before curling up in a fetal position on the couch.

She falls asleep after a few minutes and Lucille enters expecting to see her gone only to see her sleeping on the couch.

She tiptoes towards the couch in order no to wake her up and lifts up her head before taking a seat and placing Lucianna's head in her lap. She softly strokes her hair as she watches her sleep. It is only after an hour or two that Luciana wakes up. She sees Lucille stroking her hair and pretends to be asleep.

"I know you are not sleeping, Anna".

Lucianna opens her eyes and stares at her best friend before hugging her.

"I'm so sorry, Luci. I shouldn't have snapped at you. And, you're right. I need help. Can you book a session with a therapist for me?"

Lucille finally smiles and hugs her back. She nods her head before pulling away to stare at her friend.

"Don't I get any gift? To pacify my troubled mind, you know", Lucille says with a smirk.

Lucianna smacks her on the head and they are back again to being two friends who have been through thick and thin.

"I'm hungry", Lucille grumbles.

"McDonald's. It's on me", Lucianna says.

"If I get free food everytime we fight then we should fight more often", Lucille says mischievously.

"This is the only time you are getting free food. Better hurry up before I change my mind", Lucille huffs.